After returning home from a tour in Afghanistan and losing his eye sight completely during a patrol, Klaus has learn to live with his impairment including a guide dog that Caroline is in charge of training. Ah/Au.
Thanks lovely Rachel themikaelsoncupcake, for an amazing prompt, although I'm not surprised at all. I hope this lives up to your expectations. The points of view will switch between dates, fyi.
Amazing Grace
England – February 2006
"I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind but now I see."
"Now, I have to warn you this patient is particularly resistant," the nurse whispered from the doorway, gesturing towards his lonely figure in the leather armchair at the window. Her heart went out to him immediately, well if she was being honest it went to every soldier that had to deal with the terrible effects from this senseless war.
"I'm blind, not deaf," he bit out, overhearing their conversation. The nurse gave Caroline a knowing look and scurried out of the room.
She made her way over to him hesitantly. Past experience had taught her that patients at this stage were particularly bitter and defensive while trying to come to terms with their newly acquired impairment. It was completely understandable in the situation and Caroline knew she had to tread lightly, especially with a former soldier who had so many added traumas to deal with.
She looked at him curiously, his sour expression unchanged. Although through the obvious resentment, it was difficult to ignore just how crimson his lips were. She eased herself onto the bed and took a deep breath.
"I don't need your pity," he growled, before she could even speak.
"Well, I wasn't going to offer any," she shot back. "I was only going to introduce myself, I'm Caroline Forbes."
"Well, Caroline," he muttered. "As lovely as this little moment has been, I suggest you get to the point."
"Didn't your mother ever teach you manners?" She asked, unable to help herself.
"She tried, but I have this thing where I don't like people telling me what to do," he scoffed. "I'd really just prefer to ditch the fake pleasantries, if you don't mind."
"I'm here to do an assessment for a guide dog. Now if…"
"I don't need one."
"With all due respect Mr Mikaelson…"
"What part of I don't need one didn't you understand," he huffed. Surprising her and standing up suddenly, attempting to walk away but stumbling and falling towards her. Caroline reacted immediately catching him and softening his landing on the bed.
Her heart was racing and from what she could feel from his chest pressed firmly against hers, his was doing the same. From this close she could see the slight stubble on his cheeks, his dimples peeking out from within and she was trying to ignore his intoxicating scent. She shook her head reminding herself she needed to be professional.
"Are you okay?" She asked, realising her hands were still on his arms.
"Of course I'm okay," he growled, but surprisingly not attempting to move out of her grasp. "But I'd be a lot better if you just left, if you don't mind."
"Oh, I do mind," she argued back, trying to ignore those lips that were so close to hers. "Has anyone ever told you're an ass?"
"We've just met but yet you sound just like my demanding sister and a few girls I may have wronged at some stage over the years."
"So, where is your sister?"
"I told her not to come," he faltered slightly. "Although she makes it her business to annoy me once a week still."
"Sounds like a great woman," she murmured moving away, albeit reluctantly. "Do you only have one sibling?"
"Last time I checked you were here to assess me, so just do what you need and move along."
"Well, my brief and initial assessment tells me that you don't deserve a guide dog."
"What makes you say that?"
"Well that wonderful personality of yours for starters," she said. "Dogs are far more observant than most people think."
"I don't need a dog."
"Yes, you do," she urged. "Yes, things have changed and I understand you're angry and upset but you need to start living again."
"That's easy for you to say."
"I know it is, yes," she conceded. "But I'll have you know I'm kind of annoying and persistent and I don't take no for an answer."
"I'm getting that impression, love," he murmured, his tone changing considerably. Caroline could feel his hot breath on her cheeks and she was trying to concentrate but he was making it difficult.
"So, are you going to cooperate then?"
"I don't think I have much choice," he chuckled despite the situation. "You know I've never been this close to a woman on a bed without…"
"I'm not that easy, Mikaelson."
March 2006
Klaus sat in the hospital garden, it was his preferred place to sit if he had to be cooped up in this rehabilitation facility. Although he couldn't see the rich greenery he could hear the birds and the rustling of the leaves and for some reason it brought him comfort, but that wasn't the only thing that did.
Although he'd never laid eyes on her, the bossy woman who promised she wouldn't say no had become a permanent fixture in his life. If Klaus was being honest she'd saved him from completely shutting down. Her visits became the highlight of his day and Klaus would find himself impatiently waiting for her arrival.
Klaus couldn't pinpoint whether it was her melodic laugh, her floral perfume or that stubborn streak that rivalled his own. He'd tried to shut her out but she'd persevered and Klaus couldn't help but think that he'd met his match.
Laying there injured and newly blind Klaus thought his life was over, and to be honest he didn't care if it was. His siblings had rallied around him but they'd failed to stir any sort of reason for living. The first time he felt a hint of resistance was when he felt her heart thumping wildly against his chest.
They'd spoken a lot since and Klaus found himself sharing personal things with her which was so unlike him, even before the accident happened. There was something about the way she said his name or asked a probing question that he couldn't ignore.
"I have a surprise for you," he smiled immediately, her voice having the desired effect as usual.
"You know I don't like surprises," he replied gruffly, unable to keep the smirk off his face if he tried.
"I think you might like this one," she said and Klaus could tell she was grinning. Before he knew it he could feel a wet nose touch his palm, followed by an enthusiastic tongue.
"Are you happy to see me, Caroline," he joked.
"There's that ego I know and love," she drawled and even though he couldn't see her Klaus could tell she was rolling her eyes. "This is you guide dog, Tully. Don't worry I've already warned her about your grouchy tendencies."
"Ouch, tell me what you really think," he said, running his hand along her furry back. If Klaus was being honest, he was excited about having a canine companion. He'd always loved dogs even if he told Caroline otherwise.
"As a fellow female I have every right to warn her about your unpredictability and moodiness. Although, I have a feeling you two will get along."
"I hope so," he murmured, scared that now her job was finished he'd never see her again and the empty feeling in his stomach was overwhelming.
For some reason it scared him but he didn't want to seem desperate. Caroline Forbes was a funny, beautiful and amazing woman, so why would she even give a blind veteran like him a second glance? This was her job after all and Klaus had to realise that things were coming to an end.
"I always knew you were a dog person, even after all your early objections."
"Well, I like to play hard to get."
"Something I'm starting to realise," she murmured, and Klaus couldn't miss the emotion in her voice. "I really think you and Tully will make a perfect couple."
Klaus wanted to speak but for some reason he had no idea what to say, it was obvious this was a work arrangement, nothing more.
June 2006
Caroline paused, wondering whether to knock on his door at all. She was deeply conflicted and had been for a few months but everything inside her was pulling her towards him. She missed their talks, their jokes and most of all she missed the feeling his touch caused, even if it was innocent.
She shook her head realising what an idiot she was being, this was inappropriate not to mention really weird. Before she could turn around the door flew open, startling her slightly. He looked just as handsome as usual if not more. The familiar Henley fitted tightly over his chest, those necklaces peeking out from beneath.
Before she could escape, Tully woofed happily her tail wagging enthusiastically. "Who's there?"
"It's just me," she admitted. "I mean it's Caroline. I was just wanting to see how you two were going."
"A perfect match," he smiled, making her insides melt. "I think you have a career in matchmaking."
"Well, I was considering a career change, so maybe…"
"So I'm curious, who is your perfect match?" She paused, wondering just how to answer and knowing that her perfect match was standing before her.
"I have no idea," she replied dismissively. trying to contain her nerves and ignore just how gorgeous he looked.
"What was the first thing I ever told you?" She faltered knowing exactly what it was but struggling to verbalise it. "Come on, love," he urged, making her soften.
"You were blind not deaf."
"Exactly," he confirmed. "I may be blind but your voice doesn't lie."
She beamed happily, realising this impulsive visit to his house might have paid off. She'd tried to forget him but Klaus Mikaelson had a way of finding his way into her heart and Caroline was more than okay with that.
"Any chance you'd want to spend some time with me?"
"I think that could be arranged, as long as Tully is allowed."
"Of course, she did bring us together after all." Caroline grinned, pulling him towards her. His lips found hers immediately and she discovered them hungrily, her tongue dipping into his warmth. A loud bark sounded out, breaking them apart suddenly.
"I think someone is jealous," Klaus laughed, his arms sliding familiarly around her waist.
"Maybe it wasn't a perfect match given her jealously," Caroline said, leaning into his embrace. "But I'm sure we can work something out."
